Newcastle midfielder Shelvey’s hearing is still weeks away

MILES STARFORTH

Jonjo Shelvey is set to be available for Newcastle United’s next four games at least – as his Football Association hearing won’t be held until later this month.

The midfielder has pleaded not guilty to a charge of misconduct dating back to September’s Championship defeat to Wolves at St James’s Park.

United manager Rafa Benitez has made no comment on the charge.

Shelvey is alleged to have used racially-aggravated language towards Romain Saiss during the fixture, which Newcastle lost 2-0.

And it is understood that Shelvey – who faces a minimum five-match ban if found guilty – is set to go before an independent commission in the week before Christmas.

That means that the 24-year-old will be available for tomorrow night’s game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground as well as Championship fixtures against Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion.

United manager Rafa Benitez has made no comment on the charge.

However, the club issued a statement earlier this month confirmed that Shelvey would plead not guilty.

Shelvey has been an influential figure on the pitch for Championship-leading United so far this season.

The England international has scored three goals – and set up five more – in the league so far this season.